Ham and Bean Pasta Salad
This refreshing pasta salad is a wonderful side dish. Make this salad and enjoy it for a few days. Great for any family gathering.
Servings: 8 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni cooked and drained according to package directions (could use shells or rotini, too)
- 1 cup ham cooked and chopped
- 1 15.5 ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup carrots scraped and chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas could use fresh or canned
- 1/2 cup purple onion chopped (could use regular onion or green onions)
- 1/2 green pepper chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise could use Miracle Whip
- 3 teaspoons fresh basil chopped (could use 1 teaspoon dried)
- 3 teaspoons fresh parsley chopped (could use 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions, drain. In a large bowl combine macaroni, ham, kidney beans, carrots, peas, onion and green pepper. Mix together the mayonnaise, basil, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, black pepper and salt in a smaller bowl with a spoon. Combine the dressing with the pasta. Fold in the shredded cheese. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Makes 8 to 9 cups of salad.